Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

Silky Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet memories of puerto rican chocolate coquito danced through my childhood kitchen, filling the air with warm, nostalgic aromas.

My grandmother’s secret recipe always sparked joy during holiday gatherings.

Rum-infused coconut cream blended with rich dark chocolate creates a decadent Caribbean treat that melts hearts instantly.

Creamy textures and deep cocoa notes promise an indulgent experience beyond ordinary beverages.

Traditional ingredients combine in unexpected ways to craft something truly magical.

Each sip connects you to vibrant puerto rican culinary traditions.

Gather your ingredients and let this extraordinary drink transport you to a festive island celebration.

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito for Rich Holiday Sipping

  • A Chocolate Coquito Adventure
  • Blending all ingredients takes just minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a decadent drink without complicated steps.
  • Perfect for Christmas gatherings, this chocolatey Puerto Rican cocktail impresses guests with its rich, creamy texture and deep flavor profile that everyone will love.
  • Easily adjust rum levels and chocolate intensity to suit personal preferences, allowing each person to create their ideal version of this classic holiday beverage.
  • Prepare this coquito ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, letting flavors meld and intensify, which means less stress during entertaining and more time enjoying celebrations.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Coquito at Home

Base Spirits:
  • Rum: Classic Puerto Rican spirit that adds rich warmth and traditional flavor to the coquito.
Milk Products:
  • Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut Milk: Creamy base that creates smooth, rich texture with tropical undertones.
  • Cream of Coconut: Thick, sweet coconut product that provides additional richness and authentic Caribbean character.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chocolate Syrup, Cocoa Powder, Melted Chocolate: Provides deep chocolate flavor and creates luxurious dark color.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle background sweetness and complex aromatic notes.
Spice Accents:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Traditional Caribbean spices that complement chocolate and add warm, exotic depth to the drink.

How to Mix Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Smoothly

Step 1: Create Creamy Chocolate Base

Grab your blender and toss in these delicious ingredients:

Evaporated milk

Sweetened condensed milk

Coconut milk

Cream of coconut

Chocolate syrup

Vanilla extract

Ground cinnamon

Ground nutmeg

Pulse and blend until everything transforms into a silky smooth mixture that looks like liquid chocolate heaven.

Step 2: Spike with Rum

Pour in your favorite rum and give the blender another quick spin. Adjust the rum quantity to match your festive mood- more for party vibes, less for subtle warmth.

Step 3: Boost Chocolate Intensity

Want extra chocolate richness? Sprinkle in cocoa powder and blend until the mixture becomes deep and luxurious.

Step 4: Chill and Rest

Transfer your magical chocolate potion into clean glass bottles or a decorative pitcher. Slide into the refrigerator and let it cool for at least two hours. This resting time allows all those incredible flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Before serving, give the coquito a good shake or stir. Pour into petite glasses and get creative with garnishes:

Grate some chocolate on top

Dust with cinnamon

Drop in a cinnamon stick for extra charm

Tips for Blending and Serving Coquito Just Right

  • Customize Rum Strength: Adjust the rum quantity to match your taste preference, from a subtle hint to a stronger kick.
  • Enhance Chocolate Depth: Experiment with dark, milk, or high-quality cocoa powder to create a more complex chocolate flavor profile.
  • Achieve Smooth Texture: Blend ingredients thoroughly to ensure a silky, well-integrated drink without lumps or separation.
  • Store Smartly: Keep coquito refrigerated in sealed glass bottles for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
  • Create Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy milks with coconut cream and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.

Coquito Storage to Keep It Creamy and Fresh

  • Store the chocolate coquito in an airtight glass container or sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure the container is clean and dry before pouring.
  • Always mix or shake the coquito well before serving, as the ingredients may separate during storage.
  • Pour leftover coquito into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • If the coquito develops an off smell or taste after storage, discard immediately to ensure food safety.

Pair Chocolate Coquito with These Desserts

  • Chocolate Coquito's Best Matches
  • Rich chocolate truffles or brownies complement the creamy chocolate coquito, creating a luxurious dessert experience with matching intense chocolate notes.
  • Toasted almonds or pecan cookies provide a delightful crunch that beautifully contrasts the smooth, velvety texture of the coquito, enhancing its complex flavor profile.
  • A warm ginger snap or cinnamon cookie echoes the coquito's warm spices, creating a harmonious blend that amplifies the drink's aromatic undertones and deepens the overall taste sensation.
  • Pair with a small espresso shot to cut through the coquito's sweetness, offering a sophisticated contrast that elevates the entire drinking experience.

Fun Twists on Puerto Rican Coquito Traditions

  • Low-Alcohol Version: Replace rum with coffee liqueur or vanilla extract for a milder drink that retains flavor complexity.
  • Non-Alcoholic Chocolate Coquito: Substitute rum with coconut water or additional coconut milk, creating a family-friendly beverage perfect for all ages.
  • Vegan Chocolate Coquito: Use coconut condensed milk, dairy-free evaporated milk, and plant-based cream of coconut to craft a completely dairy-free alternative that maintains rich chocolate notes.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Coquito: Replace sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free sweetened condensed milk, use sugar-free chocolate syrup, and incorporate monk fruit sweetener to create a low-carb version that matches traditional flavor profiles.
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Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Puerto Rican chocolate coquito whisks creamy coconut and rich chocolate into a festive holiday cocktail that captures island spirit. Silky rum-infused goodness invites celebratory sips straight from Caribbean traditions you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Dairy and Coconut Ingredients:

  • 1 can (12 ounces / 355 milliliters) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) cream of coconut (Coco Lopez)

Chocolate and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chocolate syrup or 1 cup (150 grams) melted semi-sweet chocolate
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Alcohol and Garnish:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) white rum or dark rum

Garnish:

  • Grated chocolate
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and prepare a high-powered blender to create a silky, luxurious Puerto Rican chocolate coquito.
  2. Pour evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and cream of coconut into the blender, creating a rich, creamy base that will form the foundation of this decadent beverage.
  3. Add chocolate syrup or carefully melted chocolate to infuse deep, velvety chocolate notes into the mixture, enhancing the traditional coquito profile.
  4. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg into the blender, introducing warm, aromatic spices that complement the chocolate’s intensity.
  5. Include vanilla extract to provide a subtle, sophisticated background flavor that elevates the entire drink’s complexity.
  6. Blend the ingredients on high speed for 45-60 seconds, ensuring a completely smooth and homogeneous liquid with no visible ingredient separation.
  7. Gradually incorporate rum, adjusting the quantity to personal taste preferences while maintaining the drink’s balanced flavor profile.
  8. For chocolate enthusiasts, dust cocoa powder into the mixture and blend briefly to intensify the chocolate dimension.
  9. Transfer the liquid into clean glass bottles or a sealed pitcher, allowing the flavors to harmonize and develop in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.
  10. Before serving, vigorously shake or stir the chilled coquito to redistribute the settled ingredients and restore its creamy consistency.
  11. Pour into petite serving glasses, optionally garnishing with a delicate sprinkle of grated chocolate or a cinnamon stick to enhance visual appeal and provide an aromatic hint.

Notes

  • Elevate the chocolate flavor by using high-quality dark chocolate instead of syrup for a more complex, rich taste.
  • Customize the rum intensity by adjusting the amount or using a flavored rum like chocolate or coconut rum for extra depth.
  • Make it dairy-free by substituting evaporated and condensed milk with coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
  • Create a lighter version by reducing cream of coconut and using low-fat coconut milk for a less caloric alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 366
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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